Feb 19 • 11:57 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Iltalehti

Did the Lions cheat?

The Finnish men's ice hockey team, the Lions, is experimenting with new offensive lines ahead of their semi-final against Canada, with team coach Antti Pennanen hinting at possible changes without finalizing the lineup yet.

The Finnish men's ice hockey team, known as the Lions, has been practicing in Milan with newly restructured offensive lines. The changes primarily affect the first two lines, with notable pairings including Artturi Lehkonen, Sebastian Aho, and Mikko Rantanen in the top line, while the second line features Mikael Granlund, Roope Hintz, and Teuvo Teräväinen. A key change involved swapping Rantanen and Teräväinen's positions, a strategic move by the coaching staff. Coach Antti Pennanen emphasized that while adjustments have been made, the final composition for the semi-final against Canada has yet to be officially confirmed.

During the tournament's early phase, the Lions maintained their top lines without alterations. However, as they approached the semi-finals, particularly following their quarter-final match against Switzerland, changes became necessary. Pennanen reflected on previous plans that had not materialized until now, suggesting that it was time to rethink their strategy to enhance gameplay. While the current line combinations show promise, Pennanen humorously hinted at a bit of trickery in their approach, illustrating the uncertainty and tactics at play as they prepare for a crucial match ahead. In conclusion, while strategies are evolving, the team's final roster remains in flux and will be unveiled as they face their next challenge on the ice.

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